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How to Connect to a Site via SFTP/SSH

Connect to your site on Rapyd Cloud securely using SFTP or SSH with your existing SSH key.

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Introduction

You can access your Rapyd Cloud site through SFTP for file transfers or SSH for command-line management. Both use encrypted connections to keep your data secure.

This guide explains how to connect using each method, what tools to use, and where to find your site files once connected.

Before You Begin

Before connecting, make sure you have:

  • An active SSH key pair. If you have not created one, see How to Create an SSH Key Pair on Rapyd Cloud

  • Your site’s File access details (found under Sites → Manage site → Manage → File access).

  • An SFTP client (FileZilla, WinSCP, or Cyberduck) or a terminal application (Terminal on macOS/Linux or PowerShell on Windows).

Rapyd Cloud supports key-based authentication only. Password-based logins are disabled.

Connect via SFTP

What Is SFTP?

SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) lets you upload, download, and manage files on your site securely. Each site on Rapyd Cloud has its own SFTP credentials.

SFTP is ideal for tasks like uploading themes or plugins, editing configuration files, or backing up content.

Steps to Connect with SFTP

You can use any SFTP client, such as FileZilla, WinSCP, or Cyberduck. The example below uses FileZilla.

Step 1) Open the Rapyd Cloud Dashboard

Log in to your Rapyd Cloud account and go to Sites. Click Manage site next to the site you want to access. In the left-hand menu, click Manage, then File access.

Note the following details from this page:

  • Host

  • User

  • Port: 22

You’ll need these values to connect in your SFTP client.

Step 2) Connect Using Your SFTP Client

We will be using Filezilla in this example.

  1. Open FileZilla.

  2. Go to File → Site Manager → New Site.

  3. Fill in these fields:

    • Protocol: SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol

    • Host: (from File access)

    • Port: 22

    • Logon Type: Key file

    • User: (from File access)

    • Key File: Browse to your .pem or .ppk file

  4. Click Connect.

    • Approve the host key if prompted.

Once connected, you can view and manage your files safely.

Step 3) Locate Your Webroot

Your site’s files are stored inside the following directory:

/home/web_<your-site-name>/web/www/app/public

This folder contains your WordPress installation, including wp-content, wp-admin, and wp-includes.

Avoid modifying files outside this directory unless you are an advanced user or are directed by Rapyd Cloud Support.

Connect via SSH

What is SSH?

SSH (Secure Shell) gives you direct command-line access to your environment. It is useful for running WP-CLI commands, troubleshooting, or checking logs.

Each environment on Rapyd Cloud runs AlmaLinux and has unique SSH credentials available in the File access area.

Steps for macOS or Linux

  1. Open Terminal.

  2. Move your private key to your .ssh folder with mv ~/Downloads/<your-key>.pem ~/.ssh/ (if necessary).

  3. Restrict access to your key file with chmod 600 ~/.ssh/<your-key>.pem.

  4. Connect to your server using ssh -i ~/.ssh/<your-key>.pem user@host.

  5. Type yes if asked to trust the server fingerprint.

  6. Navigate to your webroot with cd web/www/app/public.

Steps for Windows

  1. Open PowerShell.

  2. Move your .pem key file to C:\Users\YourName\.ssh\.

  3. Restrict access using File Explorer or run:

    # Move to your .ssh directory
    cd C:\Users\YourName\.ssh

    # remove access for all users
    icacls.exe your-key.pem /inheritance:r /remove Everyone Users Administrators SYSTEM

    # grant access for your current user
    icacls.exe your-key.pem /grant "$($env:USERNAME):(F)"

  4. Connect to your server with ssh -i "C:\Users\YourName\.ssh\<your-key>.pem" user@host.

  5. Type yes when prompted to trust the host fingerprint.

  6. Navigate to your webroot with cd web/www/app/public.

Important Notes

  • One connection per site: Each site on Rapyd Cloud has its own SFTP and SSH credentials. Use the credentials shown under that specific site’s File access page.

  • File paths: The main WordPress directory is always located at /home/web_<your-site-name>/web/www/app/public.

  • Permissions: Do not change file or folder permissions unless instructed by Rapyd Cloud Support. Incorrect permissions can break your site or block access.

  • Configuration files: Avoid editing files outside the app/public folder unless you are an advanced user or following documented instructions.

  • Security: Only connect from trusted networks and devices. Always store your private key securely.

Conclusion

Connecting to your Rapyd Cloud site through SFTP or SSH allows secure, password-free management of your WordPress environment.

Use SFTP for file transfers and SSH for command-line operations such as running WP-CLI commands or viewing logs. Both methods rely on the SSH key you created earlier.

Keep your key private, verify file permissions, and connect only from trusted devices to maintain the integrity and security of your site.

Related Articles
Why You Should Use SFTP & SSH for Remote Access
How to use SFTP for Secure File Transfer
How to use SSH to Securely Connect to Your Rapyd Server
How to Add a Site to an Environment
How to Create an SSH Key Pair on Rapyd Cloud
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